The National Service Authority (NSA) has successfully purged over 2,000 ghost names from its payroll, a move projected to save the state in excess of GH¢1 million.
According to Felix Gyamfi, the NSA’s Director-General, this rigorous cleanup exercise is part of the authority’s ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and eliminate fraudulent activities within the scheme.
Mr. Gyamfi disclosed that the NSA will now collaborate closely with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department to cross-verify data and prevent duplication and unauthorized entries.
“If you’re already on another payroll whether as a police officer, immigration officer, or army officer and you’re doing national service just to meet the requirement, do not submit your allowance form this month,” Gyamfi cautioned.
The NSA is also working in tandem with the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) and other security agencies to clamp down on individuals attempting to defraud the system.
“We are now working closely with the NIB and other security agencies, and anyone who attempts to defraud the system will be arrested,” Gyamfi warned.
This development follows a directive by President John Dramani Mahama for a full investigation into the discovery of 81,885 suspected ghost names on the NSA payroll. The anomaly was identified during a nationwide headcount of active national service personnel, commissioned by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to reconcile and clear outstanding service allowance arrears dating back to August 2024.
The issue came to light after an investigative report by The Fourth Estate in November 2024, which led to the interrogation of former NSA Executive Director Osei Assibey Antwi over his alleged involvement in the payroll fraud.
Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine has also announced that former NSA directors implicated in the scandal will face formal charges.
The NSA’s efforts to sanitize its payroll and eliminate ghost names are expected to promote transparency and accountability within the scheme, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
